Meet our featured beauty with brains Santhiya Subramaniam, a 22 year old wellness coach and a plus size model. Here is her story:

“I moved from Malaysia to Melbourne in July 2016. I didn’t know too many people. I started a very small home based boutique selling Indian dresses, accessories and party stuff. I first started to socialise with a group of ladies around November 2016 which motivated me to make more new friends and meet them in person.

Then I started two different health and wellness networking businesses. It made me change my food habits and as well as the way I looked after my skin and body. I felt really good both mentally and physically. My social and networking group is increasing day by day.
I have always loved to support all kind of businesses and events. I did a few plus size modeling shoots but I did lose a lot of weight compared to when I was younger and I’m healthier now too.

I formed a group for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way and I started getting clients. I gave them diet charts. They gave me honest feedback. I have made a lot of beautiful and lovely friends this way.

My motto is be genuine and kind. You will get to enjoy your beautiful life more with a healthy lifestyle. ”

We asked her a few questions on weight loss.

1. What is more important, the amount of calories or the type of calories you consume in a day?

I’m not a professional nutritionist but I have done a lot of research regarding how different types of food affect our weight and I feel both the type and amount of calories matter. Regarding type of calories, it’s better to get your calories from natural food like fresh fruits and vegetables rather than from processed food, white bread or rice.

Regarding amount of calories, here is a guideline:

a) Two eggs with yolk per day is a good amount.

b) More than 2 tablespoons of sugar a day isn’t good. Cut down the amount of sugar you have with tea/coffee. Avoid them or have them without sugar or with 50% less sugar than you usually have.

c) If you had chicken for lunch avoid having it again for dinner.

d) If you usually eat rice often, avoid having it many times in a week. Either cut down the amount or try brown rice.

2. Is fasting a good way to cut calories?
No ! Do not fast. I would not recommend it at all !!!

3. Any tips on how someone can stay motivated while trying to lose weight?

He/she can join fitness groups on Facebook and share their experiences. That way they can motivate each other.

4. What is your advice to those who want to start losing weight?

Start by eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables more than your usual amount. Cut down sugar, fast food and processed food. Walking is great for weight loss. That way you can start losing weight even without joining a gym.

Meet our featured beauty with brains, Deepa Levi. She is a fashion stylist, freelance consultant, philanthropist and traveller who experiences and celebrates life as it comes. She has done fashion shows for women empowerment. She calls both Sydney (Australia) and Delhi (India) home. Here is an interview with her, whereby she answers questions on fashion and beauty.

Q: If you were allowed to own only six items of clothing, what would they be and how would you mix and match them?

A: The six items of clothing would be:
1. A pair of Jeans
2. A tight fitting V neck top
3. A polo tee
4. A Floral or striped Maxi
5. A short dress with a belt
6. A Mini skirt

I would mix and match the jeans and the skirt with the tops. The maxi and jeans can be worn during casual outings while the short dress and mini will be good for parties or night outs.

Q: Do you think we should avoid cosmetics with certain ingredients in them like parabens or sulphate? If so, why?

A: Yes Cosmetics with those ingredients should be avoided, you can alternatively use a good moisturiser with collagen. Sulphates and parabens should be avoided as they strip your skin of moisture and cause PH imbalance.

Q: Which celebrity’s style do you admire the most and why?

A: I like Susanne Khan (Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan’s ex wife and India’s most famous interior designer). She has the poise and figure to carry off any outfit/attire. She’s not only glamorous but also very elegant and dignified.

Q. Is there any homemade remedy, that you would recommend for glowing skin?

A. Mix two tablespoons of honey with four tablespoons of milk and a pinch of turmeric powder and apply on your face and neck. Rinse after a few minutes. This will give you an instant fair and radiant look. If done every week, it substitutes an expensive monthly facial.

 

“I find the ocean strangely therapeutic. It’s as if I share a deep spiritual connection with it. It could be because I practically grew up on the ocean. My dad was a marine engineer and me and my mom travelled with him on ships for years. Whenever I felt lonely or upset about something I would just stare at the ocean and eventually the sight of the shimmering blue expanse and the smell of the salty sea air would make me feel better. Even today, staring at the ocean refreshes me, relieves my stress and gives me peace. It’s vastness make me realise how small my problems are,  compared to the bigger issues of the universe.

Research shows that the ocean has many healing properties. Sea water contains minerals needed by your body to heal and detoxify. It heals wounds, reduces infection and promotes pain relief. Conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis and depression are said to improve by swimming in the ocean. I would definitely prescribe vitamin sea to everyone. If you don’t live near the ocean, you can still enjoy its benefits by adding Epsom salts to your bath, using Himalayan salt lamps or visualising that you are on a beach while doing yoga or meditation.” – Tiya Gorain.

 

Healthy meal idea by Tiya Gorain.

“I like spinach and I like eggs. So I often whip up a spinach, tomato and onion omelette for breakfast or lunch. It’s healthy, easy to make, and tastes great! Both Eggs and spinach are incredibly nutritious.

Spinach is rich in antioxidants and promote eye health. It also reduces stress, prevents cancer and reduce blood pressure. The folate in spinach helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Research shows that spinach helps us in improving memory and mental clarity.”

 

Winter evenings often find me in front of the fireplace, writing in my journal. I like journaling on busy days as it forces me to pause, take a breath and think about the day. It’s a mindful activity that I enjoy.

Here are some benefits of Journaling:

1. It reduces stress. Writing down our negative thoughts, fears and frustrations help us de-stress as it acts as a form of release. When we are putting our anxieties and disappointments on paper, we are less likely to internalise them.

2. It promotes creativity. Expressing our thoughts and ideas on paper enhances our imagination and improves our creativity. It awakens our inner voice and provides insights.

3. It can sometimes help in solving problems. Writing about our problems often offers a different perspective on them and hence helps us to come up with a solution. Also journaling helps us to tap into our intuition, thus providing answers to questions.

4. It can help you lose weight. Keeping track of our diet in a journal often motivates us to eat healthier. Also if we make a note of our mood before we had junk food, we will know what triggers us to reach for unhealthy food which in turn will help us in controlling such behaviour.